Sir Denis O’Connor likely to face questions on HMIC’s latest Adapting to Austerity document

The outgoing HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary is appearing before members of the Home Affairs Select Committee for what is likely to be his final time in post.

Sir Denis O’Connor is giving evidence before MPs on valuing the police, and is likely to cover issues such as austerity, the management of cuts in resources and how forces are adapting to the government’s reform agenda.

Key on the agenda when he appears at the Grimond Room, Portcullis House at 11:30am on July 3 will be the HMIC Adapting to Austerity – One Year On report released today, July 2.

The report – which focuses on how forces are adapting to budget cuts of up to 20 per cent in government grants – said chief officers had so far managed to reduce spending while maintaining levels of service to the public.

But HMIs admitted that they had concerns about the ability of the Police Service to transform its efficiency and sustain current levels of service in the long-term.

A further HMIC report – Increasing Efficiency in the Police Service – suggests ways that forces could enhance joint working in back office functions and exploit further savings.

A press conference is underway at HMIC’s Globe House HQ, attended by PoliceOracle.com, and more details on the reports and their contents will appear soon.

As reported on PoliceOracle.com Sir Denis – who is due to retire in September after the Olympics – last week appeared at a closed committee session before his proposed successor Tom Winsor gave evidence at a pre-appointment hearing.

Mr Winsor is the government’s preferred candidate for the role, and would become the first HM Chief Inspector without direct operational experience.

Committee members later said they had “no objection” to his appointment.

During the July 2 select committee hearing, MPs will also be progressing their inquiry into localised child grooming and will be hearing evidence from Tim Loughton, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children.

They will also be furthering their probe into drugs, hearing from several witnesses including Kenneth Clarke, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.